‘They are over there by the window. I am sorry to say that when you look at him, I don’t think there is any doubt about his parentage.’ Isabelle put her arm around her sister-in-law, feeling her body shake and seeing tears well up in her eyes.

‘And does he know that Danny is his father?’ Harriet spotted Jane and Daniel standing together, lost in conversation. ‘He is more like you, Danny, than any of our children are, so I’d say there is no doubt whatsoever.’ Harriet pulled her handkerchief out of her pocket and held it against her mouth, stifling a cry.

‘I think so. From the way he talked, I believe his mother has told him who he is and that he is named after his true father.’ Isabelle breathed in deeply. This was not the night she had planned. Yet again family scandals were being played out under the roof of Windfell Manor.

‘I’m sorry, Harriet, I’m so sorry. I was young and I was foolish, and when Amy got married to the fella from Slaidburn, I thought that would be the last I’d see or hear of her.’ Danny tried to put his arm around his wife, but she pulled away.

‘You mean you hoped that your sins would not be found out! Well, he’s standing there and looking every inch like you. And there I was, worried about Ethan showing us up with Rosie. At least they are not sneaking about with their love; they are proud to declare it to the world.’ Harriet looked across at Daniel and then at Danny. ‘No wonder you didn’t stay long at Bill Brown’s funeral. You and Archie realized then. You both had nothing much to say about how it went, because you had seen Daniel and noticed the resemblance and knew instantly that he was your son.’

‘Oh, Harriet, if only you had said that you knew about Amy. I’ve been carrying the guilt for years.’ Danny looked at his wife. All around him people were enjoying the festive season, but his world was falling apart.

‘Guilt – you know nothing about guilt. Remember that I was to blame for the death of our two boys. It was my fault I put my work before them both. I lost my firstborn, while Amy kept her son and your heart.’ Harriet looked across at Jane laughing and flirting with Daniel. ‘You make it right by him; go and tell him that you are his father, and then he has no hold over us.’